NUJ urges federal govt to tackle insecurity for improved food production, others

By Okechukwu Onuegbu

The Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ), on Thursday, urged the federal government to reevaluate its strategies and assess the efficacy of its initiatives in addressing insecurity and other challenges confronting the country.

The National President, NUJ, Comrade Alhassan Yahya Abdullahi made the call in his Eid El Adha message entitled Time for Reflections During Eid El Adha.

According to Yahya, it was crucial to devise actionable and sustainable solutions to the multifaceted problems that continue to plague the nation by prioritising the plight of the marginalized, empowering the farmers to enhance agricultural productivity, and ensure safety and security within communities.

He argued that security challenges and prevailing power supply issues had severely hindered agricultural production and access to food resources, leaving many vulnerable Nigerians at risk of food insecurity.

This, according to the NUJ National President, should be why Nigerians who are able to do should recognise that adequate food supply was not only a basic human right but a cornerstone of peace and stability and find ways of celebrating with others as the Muslim ummah celebrate Salah.

"The Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ) extends warm greetings to all Nigerians as we celebrate the Eid El Adha festival, a time for reflection, gratitude, and community. As we come together to observe this significant occasion, we urge all Muslims and fellow citizens to take a moment for sober reflection on the pressing challenges facing our nation, particularly in the areas of food security and the persistent insecurity affecting our communities.

"As we celebrate this festive season, let us remember those affected by insecurity and food scarcity, fostering a spirit of compassion and unity. The Nigeria Union of Journalists stands ready to support initiatives that seek to elevate the voices of the marginalized and promote meaningful discourse aimed at achieving lasting solutions for our country.

"It is imperative that we acknowledge the critical issues that continue to threaten our nation's stability and progress. The resurgence of Boko Haram and rampant banditry have exacerbated insecurity in numerous regions, creating an environment where both humanitarian and developmental aspirations are jeopardized," he added.

Yahya, however, appreciated the ongoing efforts by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu's administration over the past two years to enhance democracy and promote the welfare of Nigerians, and urged the citizens support for a more secure and prosperous nation where every citizen has access to the basic necessities of life.